Frequently Asked Questions
You can get married on the same day you get your license. Please note that town clerks' offices are not open on weekends. You must have your wedding ceremony within 65 days of receiving your license
You must have a wedding ceremony, no matter how brief, in order to be legally married in Connecticut. Your Justice of the Peace must fill out parts of your license, sign it, and return it to Town Hall. Only after your marriage ceremony you are considered legally married in Connecticut.
Here's how it goes:
You apply for your marriage license before you elope. ...
Next, you receive your marriage license from town hall. ...
Lastly, you legalize your marriage after your wedding ceremony by having your officiant sign the marriage license and then submit it back to the town office that issued it.
You apply for your marriage license before you elope. ...
Next, you receive your marriage license from town hall. ...
Lastly, you legalize your marriage after your wedding ceremony by having your officiant sign the marriage license and then submit it back to the town office that issued it.
As of October 1, 2009 a Marriage License in the State of Connecticut can only be obtained from the town of occurrence. The marriage MUST be performed in the town indicated on the license.
It is strongly suggested you call ahead with the date and time you wish to come in to ensure there is a Registrar of Vital Records available in the office to execute the license.
It is strongly suggested you call ahead with the date and time you wish to come in to ensure there is a Registrar of Vital Records available in the office to execute the license.
As of October 1, 2003, NO blood test is necessary.
You will need a two valid IDs One valid photoID (either Driver’s License, or Passport is acceptable).
In cases of divorce prior to this union, NO divorce papers are necessary.
In cases of divorce prior to this union, NO divorce papers are necessary.
The license is valid for 65 days from the date of application and can be used immediately after obtaining it.
No. As part of my wedding services, after the wedding ceremony, I will sign the marrage certificate and hand deliver it to the town hall of the town you just got married in.
The person who performs the Marriage ceremony must complete the certificate after performing the ceremony. It is their responsibility to return it to the Registrar of the Town where the ceremony occurred.
The town maintains the original license and sends certified copies to the State of Connecticut, and any town(s) of residence within Connecticut that are listed on the certificate for the parties involved. Once that occurs, you may purchase certified copies from either the town of occurrence or the town(s) of residence listed on the certificate.
The town maintains the original license and sends certified copies to the State of Connecticut, and any town(s) of residence within Connecticut that are listed on the certificate for the parties involved. Once that occurs, you may purchase certified copies from either the town of occurrence or the town(s) of residence listed on the certificate.
Currently, the fee for obtaining a Marriage License in the State of Connecticut is $50.00. Payment method is cash or check (payable to the town you wish to get married) The marriage licence is obtained in the town hall you with to get married in. This is seperate from the services of the Justice of the Peace ceremony. Email for a quote for your marrage ceremony
To obtain a Marriage License, both parties must appear in person at the same time to process your License. Bring two forms of valid ID's
It is required that you call the town hall of the town in Connecticut ahead of time. That way they can tell you the date and time you wish to come in; to ensure there is a Registrar of Vital Records available in the office to execute the license.
Marriage Certificates can be obtained immediately in person at the Bureau of Vital Records as soon as it is filed.
Sec. 46b-22. (Formerly Sec. 46-3). Who may join persons in marriage. Penalty for unauthorized performance.
(a) Persons authorized to solemnize marriages in this state include (1) all judges and retired judges, either elected or appointed, including federal judges and judges of other states who may legally join persons in marriage in their jurisdictions, (2) family support magistrates, family support referees, state referees and justices of the peace who are appointed in Connecticut, and (3) all ordained or licensed members of the clergy, belonging to this state or any other state. All marriages solemnized according to the forms and usages of any religious denomination in this state, including marriages witnessed by a duly constituted Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is, are valid. All marriages attempted to be celebrated by any other person are void.
(b) No public official legally authorized to issue marriage licenses may join persons in marriage under authority of a license issued by himself, or his assistant or deputy; nor may any such assistant or deputy join persons in marriage under authority of a license issued by such public official.
(c) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be fined not more than fifty dollars.
(1949 Rev., S. 7306; 1951, S. 3001d; 1967, P.A. 129, S. 1; P.A. 78-230, S. 4, 54; P.A. 79-37, S. 1, 2; P.A. 87-316, S. 3; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4, S. 27, 58; P.A. 06-196, S. 276; P.A. 07-79, S. 5; P.A. 15-74, S. 1; 15-85, S. 4.)
History: 1967 act specified validity of marriages witnessed by Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is; P.A. 78-230 divided section into Subsecs., deleted reference to county and reordered and rephrased provisions in Subsec. (a) and substituted “may” for “shall” in Subsec. (b); P.A. 79-37 authorized retired judges and state referees to perform marriages; Sec. 46-3 transferred to Sec. 46b-22 in 1979; P.A. 87-316 applied provisions to family support magistrates; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re federal judges and judges of other states who may legally join persons in marriage in their jurisdictions, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), effective June 7, 2006; P.A. 07-79 amended Subsec. (a) to add Subdiv. designators (1) to (3), revise provisions re persons authorized to solemnize marriages within the state and make technical changes; P.A. 15-74 amended Subsec. (a)(3) by deleting requirement that members of the clergy continue in the work of the ministry; P.A. 15-85 amended Subsec. (a)(2) by adding “family support referees”, effective June 24, 2015.
Annotations to former section 46-3:
Minister who solemnizes marriage must be “settled in the work of the ministry”. 2 R. 382. Ordained deacon performing usual duties of minister held to be authorized. 4 C. 134. A clergyman in performing marriage ceremony is a public officer and his acts in that capacity prima facie evidence of his character. Id., 219. Proof of celebration of marriage raises a presumption of its validity. 85 C. 186; 93 C. 47. In absence of proof of authority of justice of peace, marriage void; our law does not recognize common law marriages. 129 C. 432. Marriage, deficient for want of due solemnization, voidable. 163 C. 588.
(a) Persons authorized to solemnize marriages in this state include (1) all judges and retired judges, either elected or appointed, including federal judges and judges of other states who may legally join persons in marriage in their jurisdictions, (2) family support magistrates, family support referees, state referees and justices of the peace who are appointed in Connecticut, and (3) all ordained or licensed members of the clergy, belonging to this state or any other state. All marriages solemnized according to the forms and usages of any religious denomination in this state, including marriages witnessed by a duly constituted Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is, are valid. All marriages attempted to be celebrated by any other person are void.
(b) No public official legally authorized to issue marriage licenses may join persons in marriage under authority of a license issued by himself, or his assistant or deputy; nor may any such assistant or deputy join persons in marriage under authority of a license issued by such public official.
(c) Any person violating any provision of this section shall be fined not more than fifty dollars.
(1949 Rev., S. 7306; 1951, S. 3001d; 1967, P.A. 129, S. 1; P.A. 78-230, S. 4, 54; P.A. 79-37, S. 1, 2; P.A. 87-316, S. 3; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4, S. 27, 58; P.A. 06-196, S. 276; P.A. 07-79, S. 5; P.A. 15-74, S. 1; 15-85, S. 4.)
History: 1967 act specified validity of marriages witnessed by Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is; P.A. 78-230 divided section into Subsecs., deleted reference to county and reordered and rephrased provisions in Subsec. (a) and substituted “may” for “shall” in Subsec. (b); P.A. 79-37 authorized retired judges and state referees to perform marriages; Sec. 46-3 transferred to Sec. 46b-22 in 1979; P.A. 87-316 applied provisions to family support magistrates; June Sp. Sess. P.A. 01-4 amended Subsec. (a) by adding provision re federal judges and judges of other states who may legally join persons in marriage in their jurisdictions, effective July 1, 2001; P.A. 06-196 made a technical change in Subsec. (a), effective June 7, 2006; P.A. 07-79 amended Subsec. (a) to add Subdiv. designators (1) to (3), revise provisions re persons authorized to solemnize marriages within the state and make technical changes; P.A. 15-74 amended Subsec. (a)(3) by deleting requirement that members of the clergy continue in the work of the ministry; P.A. 15-85 amended Subsec. (a)(2) by adding “family support referees”, effective June 24, 2015.
Annotations to former section 46-3:
Minister who solemnizes marriage must be “settled in the work of the ministry”. 2 R. 382. Ordained deacon performing usual duties of minister held to be authorized. 4 C. 134. A clergyman in performing marriage ceremony is a public officer and his acts in that capacity prima facie evidence of his character. Id., 219. Proof of celebration of marriage raises a presumption of its validity. 85 C. 186; 93 C. 47. In absence of proof of authority of justice of peace, marriage void; our law does not recognize common law marriages. 129 C. 432. Marriage, deficient for want of due solemnization, voidable. 163 C. 588.
Religious v Civil
The main difference between marrying in a religious or civil ceremony is that a religious ceremony is about being wed in the eyes of God (or whichever deity you believe in), while a civil ceremony is about being wed in the eyes of the law.
Of course, your celebrant, be they civil or religious, must meet all the legal requirements for marrying a couple as set out by the federal government, but if you’re marrying in a church or another place of worship, there are likely a number of rules or conventions (such as either the bride or groom being a member of the faith in question) that must be adhered to, whereas civil ceremonies have fewer restrictions.
Naturally, this is understandable, since it shouldn’t be forgotten that, as beautiful and atmospheric as many churches etc are, the fact is, they are, first and foremost, places of worship. So, the actually marriage ceremony is seen as a sacred, holy ceremony, to which the faith’s customs must apply.
The main difference between marrying in a religious or civil ceremony is that a religious ceremony is about being wed in the eyes of God (or whichever deity you believe in), while a civil ceremony is about being wed in the eyes of the law.
Of course, your celebrant, be they civil or religious, must meet all the legal requirements for marrying a couple as set out by the federal government, but if you’re marrying in a church or another place of worship, there are likely a number of rules or conventions (such as either the bride or groom being a member of the faith in question) that must be adhered to, whereas civil ceremonies have fewer restrictions.
Naturally, this is understandable, since it shouldn’t be forgotten that, as beautiful and atmospheric as many churches etc are, the fact is, they are, first and foremost, places of worship. So, the actually marriage ceremony is seen as a sacred, holy ceremony, to which the faith’s customs must apply.
YES! I do preform vow renewals.
Couples celebrating their anniversaries, often like a vow renewal to celebrate their commitment of their
lives together.
Please call with your date and time for a quote (860)358-0011
Couples celebrating their anniversaries, often like a vow renewal to celebrate their commitment of their
lives together.
Please call with your date and time for a quote (860)358-0011
You both got your marrage license from the town hall, GREAT!!
Getting a marrage license is the first step!
Now, a ceremony must take place (however small or elaborate) to ask both parties under oath, if they
agree to get married. As both parties agrees to the marrage, the Justice of the Peace is witnessing this.
After the ceremony, the JP then fills out their part including signing the licence, making it a legal marrage.
Once it is signed it is legal! The JP then returns the signed marrage license and returns it to the town
hall in which you just got married. You can then contact your town hall for copies of the valid marrage license.
Getting a marrage license is the first step!
Now, a ceremony must take place (however small or elaborate) to ask both parties under oath, if they
agree to get married. As both parties agrees to the marrage, the Justice of the Peace is witnessing this.
After the ceremony, the JP then fills out their part including signing the licence, making it a legal marrage.
Once it is signed it is legal! The JP then returns the signed marrage license and returns it to the town
hall in which you just got married. You can then contact your town hall for copies of the valid marrage license.
Since the first dance traditionally kicks off the dancing portion of the reception, it typically occurs after the meal. Many couples, however, choose to do the first dance at the beginning of the reception during their grand entrance, or even after the cake cutting.
Either way you decide, make sure you plan ahead and have someone help que you in, like your DJ or host!
Either way you decide, make sure you plan ahead and have someone help que you in, like your DJ or host!
The "best" time to cut your wedding cake depends on your priorities and preferences, but here are some common options and their pros and cons:
Traditional:
After dinner, before first dance: This is the most popular option. It allows guests to digest their meal, provides a natural transition to dancing, and can signal the end of the formal part of the evening for those who wish to leave. However, it may lead some guests to think the reception is ending and leave early.
Modern:
Earlier in the evening: This caters to guests with young children or those who need to leave early. It also ensures your photographer captures the moment and gives catering staff enough time for slicing and serving. However, it might break the flow of the reception and give an unintended "ending" cue.
Alternative:
Multiple cake cuttings: You can have a small, symbolic cake cutting after the toasts or speeches, and then serve the actual cake later in the evening as dessert. This allows for both tradition and ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy the cake.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
Your guests: Think about their age range and preferences. Will they appreciate a traditional timeline, or do you have a lot of guests who might need to leave early?
Your photographer's schedule: If your photographer has limited time, make sure the cake cutting is scheduled within their timeframe.
Your catering staff: Allow enough time for them to slice and serve the cake efficiently.
Ultimately, the best time to cut your wedding cake is the one that best suits your vision and ensures a smooth flow for your guests and the celebration.
Traditional:
After dinner, before first dance: This is the most popular option. It allows guests to digest their meal, provides a natural transition to dancing, and can signal the end of the formal part of the evening for those who wish to leave. However, it may lead some guests to think the reception is ending and leave early.
Modern:
Earlier in the evening: This caters to guests with young children or those who need to leave early. It also ensures your photographer captures the moment and gives catering staff enough time for slicing and serving. However, it might break the flow of the reception and give an unintended "ending" cue.
Alternative:
Multiple cake cuttings: You can have a small, symbolic cake cutting after the toasts or speeches, and then serve the actual cake later in the evening as dessert. This allows for both tradition and ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy the cake.
Here are some additional factors to consider:
Your guests: Think about their age range and preferences. Will they appreciate a traditional timeline, or do you have a lot of guests who might need to leave early?
Your photographer's schedule: If your photographer has limited time, make sure the cake cutting is scheduled within their timeframe.
Your catering staff: Allow enough time for them to slice and serve the cake efficiently.
Ultimately, the best time to cut your wedding cake is the one that best suits your vision and ensures a smooth flow for your guests and the celebration.
Do you preform quick weddings? My significant other of 5 years needs to be on my insurance!! We are simply looking for someone to do a simple ceremony. Can you do that?
YES! As long as you both get your marraige licence and this is something you want to do, then YES! I am available. Please call for a quote. Remember... the marrage must take place in the town you get your licence from.
YES! As long as you both get your marraige licence and this is something you want to do, then YES! I am available. Please call for a quote. Remember... the marrage must take place in the town you get your licence from.
Yes! I do wedding planning. Please call or email for a quote.
(860) 358-0011 or Leslie@JusticeofthePeaceNotaryPublic.com
(860) 358-0011 or Leslie@JusticeofthePeaceNotaryPublic.com
The maid of honor plays a crucial role in supporting the bride throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day itself. Here's a general breakdown of her responsibilities:
Pre-wedding:
Emotional support: Being the bride's closest confidante, the maid of honor offers emotional support and guidance throughout the planning process, which can be stressful at times.
Some brides simply want their maid of honor to be there on there wedding day. Ask the bride what does she really want you to do, to support her on her special day.
Planning assistance: She can assist with various tasks like planning the bachelorette party, attending dress fittings, and coordinating with other bridesmaids.
Bridal shower: The maid of honor often helps plan and co-host the bridal shower, a party thrown for the bride by her female friends and family.
Wedding day:
Getting ready: She helps the bride get ready for the ceremony, ensuring everything runs smoothly and assisting with details like dressing, makeup, and hair.
Ceremony: During the ceremony, the maid of honor typically stands beside the bride, holding her bouquet and offering support. She might also be responsible for keeping the bride's personal belongings safe and witnessing the signing of the marriage license.
Reception: At the reception, the maid of honor might participate in the receiving line, greet guests, and help ensure the bride has a wonderful time by keeping her calm, hydrated, and fed. She might also deliver a toast in honor of the couple.
Overall, the maid of honor's role is to be the bride's right-hand woman, ensuring she feels supported, loved, and stress-free throughout the wedding journey. It's important to remember that these are general guidelines, and the specific duties can vary depending on the couple's preferences and traditions.
Catchy Maid of Honor Quotes (in case you do a little speech!)
Funny:
"From [funny childhood memory] to 'I do,' I've been there for it all. Buckle up, [groom's name], the fun has just begun!"
"They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but clearly they haven't met a supportive maid of honor like me."
"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all. Cheers to forever friendships and happily ever afters!"
Sentimental:
"From sandbox adventures to walking down the aisle, our friendship has stood the test of time. Today, I celebrate the start of your forever adventure."
"They say friends are the family you choose, and [bride's name], you're the sister I never had. Here's to endless laughter and unwavering love."
Empowering:
"May your love story be a timeless tale filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support. Here's to the happy couple!"
"Today, you embark on a new chapter, [bride's name]. Remember, you are strong, you are loved, and you have a whole tribe of bridesmaids cheering you on."
"Cheers to the bride who shines brighter than the disco ball and the groom who's lucky enough to win her heart. May your love story be forever legendary!"
Remember to adapt these quotes to your personal relationship with the bride and the overall tone of the wedding.
Pre-wedding:
Emotional support: Being the bride's closest confidante, the maid of honor offers emotional support and guidance throughout the planning process, which can be stressful at times.
Some brides simply want their maid of honor to be there on there wedding day. Ask the bride what does she really want you to do, to support her on her special day.
Planning assistance: She can assist with various tasks like planning the bachelorette party, attending dress fittings, and coordinating with other bridesmaids.
Bridal shower: The maid of honor often helps plan and co-host the bridal shower, a party thrown for the bride by her female friends and family.
Wedding day:
Getting ready: She helps the bride get ready for the ceremony, ensuring everything runs smoothly and assisting with details like dressing, makeup, and hair.
Ceremony: During the ceremony, the maid of honor typically stands beside the bride, holding her bouquet and offering support. She might also be responsible for keeping the bride's personal belongings safe and witnessing the signing of the marriage license.
Reception: At the reception, the maid of honor might participate in the receiving line, greet guests, and help ensure the bride has a wonderful time by keeping her calm, hydrated, and fed. She might also deliver a toast in honor of the couple.
Overall, the maid of honor's role is to be the bride's right-hand woman, ensuring she feels supported, loved, and stress-free throughout the wedding journey. It's important to remember that these are general guidelines, and the specific duties can vary depending on the couple's preferences and traditions.
Catchy Maid of Honor Quotes (in case you do a little speech!)
Funny:
"From [funny childhood memory] to 'I do,' I've been there for it all. Buckle up, [groom's name], the fun has just begun!"
"They say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but clearly they haven't met a supportive maid of honor like me."
"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all. Cheers to forever friendships and happily ever afters!"
Sentimental:
"From sandbox adventures to walking down the aisle, our friendship has stood the test of time. Today, I celebrate the start of your forever adventure."
"They say friends are the family you choose, and [bride's name], you're the sister I never had. Here's to endless laughter and unwavering love."
Empowering:
"May your love story be a timeless tale filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support. Here's to the happy couple!"
"Today, you embark on a new chapter, [bride's name]. Remember, you are strong, you are loved, and you have a whole tribe of bridesmaids cheering you on."
"Cheers to the bride who shines brighter than the disco ball and the groom who's lucky enough to win her heart. May your love story be forever legendary!"
Remember to adapt these quotes to your personal relationship with the bride and the overall tone of the wedding.
Planning a Wedding?
Exciting times are ahead! To kickstart the journey to your dream wedding, please provide a few key details using the form below. Select your preferred reservation date, specify the number of attendees, share your contact email, and note your chosen location. These details will guide us in tailoring our services to make your day truly memorable. Feel free to include any specific requests or questions. We can't wait to help you create a celebration filled with love and joy. Thank you for choosing Leslie Steffman for your special day!